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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Okay, so this is not a blog about Liberty Mutual ads. But I do love these commercials. If I catch them on the right day, they make me cry. There is something moving about seeing people step up and do the right thing. It's the world we all wished we lived in.

I had an incident happen yesterday that was unexpected and unwelcomed. (Now this may not sound like a big deal to you, but it was to me.) I've exclusively used the same stylist for the past seven years, with the exception of one haircut when he was away on vacation. I found out last night that he's been out sick and the salon (of which he is co-owner) made the executive decision to reassign all his clients until he returns. I might have been disappointed, but I usually roll with things, so that's what I would have done. That is, if someone had had the decency to let me know more than 23 hours before my appointment. I found out when the receptionist said she was calling to confirm my appointment with Lady M. If I hadn't been listening I would have missed it altogether. Needless to say, this did not sit well and the poor lady on the other end of the phone heard all about it.

I ranted and stewed the night away. My biggest concern was that I was unsure who Lady M was, so how was I supposed to feel confident that she'd do a good job? Of all the stylists in the salon, there was one girl I knew I didn't want Lady M to be. Guess what? Of all the stylists in the salon, that was who she was!

The other owner, Bill, had undoubtedly heard about my phone meltdown. When I got there he sat down beside me for a chat. I was honest about how I was feeling (unappreciated and unimportant). When I found out who Lady M was, I apologized but told him I wouldn't be getting my hair done.

I share all this not as another venue for my diatribe, but to share something good. The unexpected and happy ending is that Bill listened. He wanted to make things right; he stepped up and did the right thing. While I am thankful for the awesome haircut/color, I am really touched by Bill's actions. I was distressed and it was in his power to fix it and he was pleasant and friendly throughout. (Thanks Bill, for being so wonderful.)

That makes me think about the Liberty Mutual commercials. The people in the commercials have it within their power to step up and do the right thing, to fix things. Maybe it's naive of me or maybe it's unrealistic, but if everyone tried to do something good each day, life would be so much sweeter.

Before I go, I have to add, part of what makes these ads so effective is the amazing voice of Sally Ellyson of the group Hem. Such a wonderful choice.